A specific elevation of cytokines in CSF as described in systemic inflammation without meningitis previously [8] may not have been accompanied by a disruption of the BBB but selective receptor-mediated transcytosis of specific cytokines like TNF alpha across the BBB or LPS diffusing through cell BBB cell layers and causing interleukin-1 production from astrocytes in the CNS without causing an elevation of total CSF protein [7]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is infectious meningitis.